Three Major Global Logistics Firms in Talks to Make Clark Their Asian Hub
The Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) has revealed that three major global logistics firms are in advanced talks to expand their operations and make Clark their Asian hub. BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang announced the news, stating that the companies are on the verge of signing contracts to establish their presence in the area.
While Bingcang did not disclose the names of the firms due to non-disclosure agreements, he indicated that they have already signed term sheets and memoranda of agreement. He expects the contracts to be finalized in the first quarter of this year.
This development comes as BCDA pushes for the further development of Clark as an “aerotropolis,” aiming to provide a modern gateway for logistics operations. In order to accommodate the potential locators, BCDA is working on providing additional infrastructure facilities, such as more aprons for parking planes.
Bingcang explained that while Clark airport currently has aprons for commercial passenger airlines, there is a need for more aprons to accommodate logistics carriers. The plans for airport development also include the relocation of the Philippine Airforce from an area designated for a future second runway.
BCDA sees the relocation of the Philippine Airforce as a major project and is already taking steps to make it a reality. The housing facilities of the Airforce personnel will be relocated to a designated area in the New Clark City, freeing up 100 hectares of prime property for future development as the central business district of Clark.
The Department of Budget and Management has released P700 million for the site development of the housing facility, with plans for construction to begin next year. The remaining 200 hectares of the Airforce’s area will be utilized for operational facilities and as a second runway, with the design still in the finalization process.
Overall, BCDA’s efforts to attract major logistics firms to Clark and to further develop the area’s infrastructure are making significant progress, laying the groundwork for Clark to become a prominent logistics hub in Asia.
